While some organizations have roots based within a community, not many can claim to have roots that extend towards preserving culture. The Eagle Project began with a donation of a 1,400-year-old tree, which inspired a program designed to teach people in the aboriginal community life skills combined with traditional arts. Located at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, this resource has been an invaluable service for the indigenous community.
Fusing traditional ways with the modern world is its philosophy, and the 12-week course is designed as a supportive outlet for aboriginal people to build necessary skills in order to succeed. The Eagle Project helps people to build vital social skills so they can tackle the competitive workforce.
“A lot of the people I see coming in are very quiet and don’t want to talk at first; they are really shy and scared, and by the end of the program they come out of their shell,” says job placement coordinator Jamie Lewis. “They improve in their social skills and they do a lot better after participating in the program.”
Aside from helping students with work and education-related content, the Eagle Project also facilitates a carving workshop with Carey Newman, an accomplished master carver. The students participate with the carving of a totem pole, which is then raised in the traditional way with previous graduates invited back to help out.
This merging of cultural values and social skills has been successful in creating a support network for First Nations people to succeed in the world.
“One of the things this really does well is sets a tone for lifelong learning; that’s really how you’re going to be successful,” says job coach Theresa Bennet.
Aside from job skills and traditional teachings there are also lessons on budgeting and other social skills. The participants are encouraged to think ahead and create goals, whether that be obtaining employment or enrolling in school. The Native Friendship Centre also offers upgrading in a partnership with Camosun College and participants in the Eagle Project are encouraged to look at all options, whether that be work-related or academic.
The Eagle Project has seen the raising of one totem pole already, standing proudly at the entrance of the centre. They are currently working on a second pole, which is being donated to a local housing project in Victoria.